The Times of India 28.08.2012
BMC mulls cloud seeding through alternative process
The high cost of plane sorties and need for multiple clearances from
Central and state agencies seem to have prompted the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) to consider undertaking cloud seeding using
an alternative process.
In conventional cloud seeding, plane sorties are carried out to
spread either dry ice or more commonly silver iodide aerosols into the
upper part of clouds to try and stimulate the precipitation process and
form rain.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Aseem Gupta said, “The
alternative method is less expensive and can be done by engineers from
the BMC instead of approaching outside agencies for the same.” It is not
just cost escalation, but the lack of clarity on the success of the
cloud seeding experiment which is making the civic administration think
twice about using an aircraft for cloud seeding.
“We are in two minds about conducting the cloud seeding by an
aircraft as the method is not only expensive but there is no way to
understand whether the experiment will be a success or not. One needs to
at least have a method where we can establish that the cloud seeding
experiment has resulted in a certain amount of rainfall. We will further
discuss about the modalities of the method with experts from Indian
Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and take the final decision,”
said Gupta.
Meanwhile, the civic administration is also planning to grant the
project of cloud seeding using aircraft to another agency instead of
the Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, which is helping it
conduct the project.
“We are planning to approach
the Karnataka government which already invited tenders from private
companies to conduct a cloud seeding experiment in their state. We can
use the same company which they have appointed for conducting the cloud
seeding experiment,” said Gupta.
A proposal for cloud seeding was made in July this year by the
Karnataka Chief Minister. A technical feasibility report from the IITM
has been sought and a budgetary allocation of Rs 5 crore for a pilot
project has been made by the Karnataka government. The tender would be
floated by the state irrigation department as the Zilla Parishad does
not have the expertise for such initiatives, said a senior Karnatka
government official.
